Nozzle system

ABSTRACT

A nozzle system comprising a nozzle apparatus ( 610 ) and a pipeline ( 614 ), the nozzle apparatus attached to the pipeline such that there is fluid communication therebetween, the nozzle apparatus having a first inlet ( 631 ), a second inlet ( 622 ) and an outlet, wherein the nozzle apparatus extends into the pipeline such that at least a portion of the first inlet ( 631 ) is in the centre of the pipeline, that is within 15% of the central axis of the pipeline; and the second inlet ( 622 ) is within the pipeline but outwith the centre of the pipeline, the second inlet comprising a filter with at least one, normally at least four, linear apertures ( 625 ) therein, often parallel to a main axis of the nozzle apparatus ( 610 ). Preferably the first inlet is a larger aperture than the second inlet, and is provided on an end of the nozzle apparatus and the second inlet is provided on a side of the nozzle apparatus. An advantage of certain embodiments of the invention is that where debris builds upon an inside face of the pipeline (concentric corrosion), fluid can still flow through the inlet provided in the centre of the pipeline, and so nozzle apparatus as described herein are less liable to blockages.

This invention relates to a nozzle apparatus for distributing fluid anda nozzle system comprising the nozzle apparatus a pipeline.

Nozzle apparatus or sprinklers are widely used in buildings and otherinstallations, such as offshore oil and gas platforms. When operating anopen sprinkler system scale is inevitably present—it is built up by theoxidisation of metal by air and water. It is a regular occurrence forsprinkler nozzles to block and become redundant because of this scale orother pollutants.

Oil and gas burners have similar problems. Indeed, any fluid system thatrequires clear fluid path from an exit can be inhibited from pollutantsof various kinds.

Traditional means to tackle the presence of scale or other particleswhich can potentially block the nozzle, include an upstream screen wherelarger particles are blocked. However the inventor of the presentinvention has recognised that this is still unsatisfactory partlybecause the screens themselves become blocked and inhibit or preventfluid coming through the exit point of the fluid system, such as asprinkler.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a nozzlesystem comprising a nozzle apparatus and a pipeline, the nozzleapparatus attached to the pipeline such that there is fluidcommunication therebetween, the nozzle apparatus having an inlet and anoutlet, wherein the nozzle apparatus extends into the pipeline such thatat least a portion of the inlet is in the centre of the pipeline.

The centre of the pipeline is within 15% of the central axis of thepipeline, measured by diameter. For example, in a 10 cm diameterpipeline which has a central axis at the midway point of the diameter,that is 5 cm, the centre is defined by the diameter +/− 1.5 cm from thecentral axis with a total diameter of 3 cm.

Thus the inventor has noted that the conventional practise of placing anozzle apparatus in the pipeline has drawbacks in that the pipe mayblock from time to time. However, by placing the inlet of the nozzleapparatus in the centre of the pipeline, debris that builds up in use onthe inner edge of the pipeline will not block the nozzle apparatus,until the debris is particularly bad, such that it extends into thecentre of the pipeline itself, which would probably block the pipelineitself. Accordingly such nozzles are an improvement over existingnozzles which are prone to blocking when some debris is present on theinner edge of a pipeline.

The nozzle apparatus may comprise a second inlet within the pipeline butoutwith the centre of the pipeline, the second inlet comprising a filterwith at least one linear aperture therein.

The first inlet may be a larger aperture than the second inlet, and ispreferably provided on an end of the nozzle apparatus and the secondinlet is provided on a side of the nozzle apparatus.

Thus the first and second inlets are therefore at an angle to oneanother, normally ninety degrees. The first inlet provides an axialpassage. And the second inlet provides a side passage

Generally, greater advantage is gained the closer the nozzle apparatusinlet is provided to the central axis of the pipeline. Accordingly theinlet may be within 10%, optionally 5% of the central axis of thepipeline.

The nozzle apparatus is normally attached to the pipeline at rightangles, but can be at an angle of 60-100 degrees, or even larger, suchas 20-160 degrees. A portion of the nozzle apparatus inlet may beoff-centre. For example a first inlet portion of the nozzle inlet is inthe centre of the pipeline as described herein, and a second inletportion, between the first inlet portion and the remainder of the nozzleapparatus, may be provided off centre and within the pipeline.

The remainder of the nozzle apparatus may comprise a filter.

The nozzle apparatus may be any nozzle apparatus described herein,optionally but not essentially, one also in accordance with the secondaspect of the invention herein below. Preferred and other optionalfeatures of the nozzle apparatus of the second aspect of the inventionare preferred and optional aspects of the nozzle apparatus according tothe first aspect of the invention.

In one embodiment known nozzles are converted to a nozzle apparatusaccording to the first aspect of the invention by adding anextension/adaptor piece so that the extended nozzle inlet extends intothe pipeline such that at least a portion of the inlet of the extendednozzle is in the centre of the pipeline.

Thus the invention provides a method of modifying a nozzle, comprisingadding an extension piece to a nozzle, such that the inlet of the nozzlewith the extension piece extend into the centre of a pipeline. Such amethod may be used with nozzle apparatus as described herein orconventional nozzles.

The extension piece may have a filter therein. The filter of theextension piece may have the same configuration as the filter/firstfilter described herein, and optional features of the filter/firstfilter are, independently, optional features of the filter of theextension piece.

The order of adding the extension piece to a nozzle apparatus can bevaried. For example in one particular embodiment, the extension piece isfirst placed in a hole in the pipe, the extension piece extending intothe centre of the pipe at one end, and then the nozzle is added to theextension piece at its other end. For example it may be secured insideby any suitable means such as by a thread.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provideda nozzle apparatus comprising:

an inlet,

an outlet,

a filter disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and,

a container;

wherein the nozzle apparatus defines a first flow path for particles toolarge for said filter and a second flow path towards the outlet forparticles small enough for said filter;

and wherein the container is provided downstream of the first flow path.

The filter is normally a screen comprising at least one aperturetherein. Thus the first flow path is defined for particles too large forsaid aperture and the second flow path is defined for particles smallenough to travel through said aperture.

Normally the nozzle apparatus comprises a removable portion to allowaccess to the container. This may be provided by the container itself,or part thereof, being removable.

The container is normally at least 2 cm³ optionally more than 5 cm³optionally more than 10 cm³. Normally the container is integral with therest of the nozzle apparatus.

Typically the first and second flow paths start at the filter.

The inventor of the present invention has noted that debris tends toaccumulate to an endpoint in a line. Preferably therefore the first flowpath terminates in (or alternatively above) the container.

Thus aside from its direct fluid connection with the first flow path,preferably the container has no further direct (i.e. not through thefirst flow path) fluid communication with any other flow path of thenozzle apparatus. In use, the first flow path between the filter and thecontainer is under pressure and so typically the only flow in the firstflow path (after starting the flow through the overall nozzle apparatus)is a flow of suspended particles too large for said filter.

The apparatus may be arranged such that in use, fluid flow is directedonto an outer face of the container. The container may be appropriatelyshaped, for example have slots radially spaced around the edge thereof,optionally extending about 10-20 mm towards the centre of the container.The slots may be parallel with the direction of the fluid flowimmediately before it contacts the container. Alternatively oradditionally they may be generally vertical (+/− 20 degrees) based onthe orientation of the apparatus in use.

The removable portion is most normally a portion which can readily bereattached to the nozzle. Thus the removable portion may be removable byway of any one or more of a threaded connection, a snap fit connection,springs, clips, bolt & screw or others such mechanisms.

The removable portion may be the container, which may be threadablyconnected with another portion of the nozzle apparatus, such as thefilter.

A passage defined between the filter and the container is normallylarger than said at least one filter aperture.

Moreover, the container is normally in more direct fluid-communicationwith the inlet side of the filter compared to the outlet side of thefilter.

The aperture is preferably linear in shape—one dimension is larger thana second dimension, with the third dimension being defined as the depthof the aperture. For example the first dimension may be more than 3, ormore than 8, times the length of the second dimension.

The longer dimension may be parallel to the flow of fluid in use butdepending on exit position certain embodiments may not be parallel. Forexample they may be perpendicular.

The screen is normally a tubular screen with a passage therein, and saidat least one aperture thereon is on a face (rather than an end) of thetubular screen. Thus the second flowpath may be from/to the passage ofthe tubular screen to/from the outside of the tubular screen; preferablyfrom the passage of the tubular screen, to the outside of the tubularscreen.

Normally there are a plurality of apertures in the screen, such as from4 to 20, optionally from 8 to 16 but this can vary depending on the sizeof the nozzle. The portion of the nozzle apparatus between the inlet andthe screen will be referred to as the “inlet flow path” and the portionof the nozzle apparatus between the screen and the outlet will bereferred to as the “outlet flow path”. The portion of the nozzleapparatus between the screen and the container will be referred to asthe “container flow path”.

The inlet flow path may be a relatively central portion of the nozzlecompared to the outlet flow path although this depends on the actualwater pattern required.

The inlet flow path and the first flow path are preferably co-linear andmore preferably co-linear with the container flow path. Thecross-sectional size of the inlet flow path is preferably the same size(optionally bigger) than the cross-sectional size of the inlet flow pathand/or the cross-sectional size of the container flow path. Thesefeatures allow certain embodiments to create a flow pressure toencourage the debris to accumulate in the end of the first flow path,which terminates in the container.

The outlet may be a channel, disposed at an angle of up to 179 degrees,optionally from 10 to 50 degrees.

An outer body may be provided, optionally to create a third flow path“the outlet flow path” between the filter and the outlet.

Preferably the size of the apertures in the first screen is equal to orsmaller than the size of the outlet.

In this way, any particle small enough to travel through the apertureswill not be likely to block the outlet since the outlet is the same sizeor larger.

For certain embodiments, an angled flange may be provided, preferablyextending at least 300 degrees around the circumference of theapparatus, and at an angle of 5 to 90 degrees, often 60 to 85 degrees tothe main longitudinal axis of the filter. The fluid may in use bedirected onto the flange, and thereafter out of the apparatus. Theflange may be attached to the debris pot and is preferably moulded as aone-piece with the debris pot.

The filter will hereinafter be referred to as the first filter.

The nozzle apparatus may further comprise an inlet filter, normally ascreen comprising at least one aperture, to resist flow of particles ofa pre-defined size.

However, the inlet screen may comprise a first relatively large aperture(normally at its end) which is sized to allow the flow of particles toobig for secondary apertures. This counter intuitive feature preventsblockage of the inlet screen should sufficient particles build up on thesecondary aperture(s) (normally at the side thereof). Normally saidfirst larger aperture is preferably the same size (optionally bigger)than the size of the inlet flow path and the container flow path.

Normally there is a plurality of secondary apertures. The shape anddimensions of the secondary apertures may include any optional featuredescribed above with respect to the first screen described above. Inpreferred embodiments, the length of the secondary, normally linear,apertures is less than that of the equivalent apertures describedfurther above for the first screen.

Preferably the size of the second apertures in the inlet screen areequal to or smaller than the size of the outlet.

The distance between the outer body and the screen normally affects theexit velocity of fluid in use. Normally said distance is in the range of1-12 mm; therefore there is a channel of 1-12 mm between the screen andthe outer body. Preferably for low velocity nozzle apparatus, thedistance (width of channel) is in the range of 7-12 mm. For highvelocity nozzles the distance (width of the channel) may be 2-5 mm or2-3 mm.

For embodiments where a housing or outer body surrounds the container,this factor normally predominantly determines the exit velocity of thefluid in use.

For other embodiments, the spacing of the container from the outlet canalso be varied in order to vary the exit velocity; especially forembodiments where the outer face of the container distributes the fluid.For example, if the container is spaced further away from the fluidoutlet, then such a nozzle apparatus will tend to function as a lowervelocity nozzle apparatus, for example since the fluid has had more timeto depressurise before being distributed by the outer face of thecontainer.

Typically there may be a space of 1-50 mm between the outlet and thecontainer. For nozzle apparatus intended to be used as a low velocitynozzle, the distance is normally in the range of 10 mm to 30 mm. Fornozzle apparatus intended to be used as a high velocity nozzle, thedistance is normally in the range of 1 mm to 7 mm.

For example in one embodiment, the screen has 24×1 mm slots- and a 2-3mm channel space between the screen and the outer body, and a 2 mm gapbetween outlet and the container.

The nozzles described herein may be attached to a pipeline such thatthere is fluid communication therebetween, and the nozzle's inletextends into the pipeline such that at least a portion thereof is in thecentre of the pipeline.

The apparatus may be adapted to function with a water system, oil system(e.g. in oil burners) or any other fluid.

Fluid comprises liquid with or without gas. For example in the case ofan oil burner, an oil/air mixture may be used.

The invention also provides a method of monitoring pipework integritycomprising weighing debris recovered from the pipework, and assessingthe integrity of the pipework based on the weight of the debris.

This method is preferably performed using the apparatus describedherein. It may be repeated over a period of time. Clearly the debris isindicative of a decaying pipework, and remedial action can be taken whenassessing the pipework integrity, such as adding more chemicalinhibitor, or replacing the pipework.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle apparatus in accordancewith the present invention in use;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle apparatus inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cut-away exploded perspective view of the nozzle apparatusof FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the screen apparatus of FIG.1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cut-away perspective view of the screen apparatusof FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the nozzle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the debris pot of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cut-away perspective view of the nozzle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a cut-away exploded perspective view of a second embodiment ofa nozzle apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a cut-away perspective view of the assembled FIG. 9embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a filter apparatus ofthe present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an alternative filterapparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 13a is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a nozzleapparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13b is a side view of the FIG. 13a nozzle apparatus;

FIG. 13c is a sectional view through A-A of the FIG. 13b nozzleapparatus;

FIG. 14a is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a nozzleapparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14b is a side view of the FIG. 14a nozzle apparatus;

FIG. 14c is a sectional view through A-A of the FIG. 14b nozzleapparatus;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a yet further embodiment of a nozzleapparatus forming part of a nozzle system in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the FIG. 15 nozzle system comprisingthe nozzle apparatus and a pipeline;

FIG. 17 is a plan view of the FIG. 15 embodiment of a nozzle system; and

FIG. 18 is a further view of the FIG. 15 nozzle apparatus showing theinternal components.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of a nozzle apparatus 10 of the presentinvention comprising a screen apparatus 20 (comprising an entrysegregator 22 and a main screen 23), an outer body 30 and a debris pot40. Whilst this embodiment relates to water flow for use with asprinkler, it will be appreciated that other fluids for differentpurposes could also be used with such a nozzle apparatus 10 or othernozzle apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

The various components 20, 30, 40; described in more detail below, fittogether along their central axis so that, as shown in FIG. 1, thenozzle apparatus 10 may be attached to a T-piece 16 of a water pipe 14or any fluid delivery system exit.

In use, the water pipe 14 contains water polluted by particulate debris18. For the basic function, polluted water flows through a centralpassage 12 of the nozzle apparatus 10 and the water continues throughthe main screen 23 and through an outlet or exit channel 36 whichdirects it to the surrounding area. The particulate debris 18 which istoo large to flow through the main screen 23, is directed to thecontainer referred to as a debris pot 40. Thus the debris remains out ofthe way of the main screen 23 which prevents blockage of the screen 23or blockage of the exit channel 36, thus allowing the nozzle apparatus10 to function properly.

The debris pot 40 may be removed and replaced periodically to removeaccumulated debris, which can be weighed to calculate corrosion rate asdescribed below.

The different components of the nozzle apparatus 10 will now bedescribed in more detail.

The screen apparatus 20, shown in more detail in FIGS. 4 and 5,comprises an entry segregator 22 which comprises a series of linearslots 25, which allow water and smaller particles to traveltherethrough, but which block the passage of larger particles. The mainscreen 23 comprises a similar series of slots 27 (although typicallysomewhat longer) which separates the polluted water into (i) a debrisenriched stream and (ii) a purer water stream. The entry segregator 22and main screen 23 are mounted in axial alignment on either side of ahexagonal nut 24. The passage 12 extends through the entry segregator22, nut 24 and main screen 23. A portion of the nut 24 extends radiallyoutward from the entry segregator 22 and main screen 23, to provide amounting for threads 28, 29 above and below, as described herein below.

The entry segregator 22 provides additional capacity to the filtrationcapacity of the nozzle apparatus 10, since debris may accumulate betweenthe edge of the T-piece 16 and the entry segregator 22. The axialpassage 12 (which is a larger aperture than the linear slots 20) isprovided in the entry segregator 22 through which water as well asparticles of various sizes can flow. Notably however, the passage 12 islarge enough to receive the larger particles which cannot travel throughthe slots 25 in the entry segregator 22. Thus if the debris 18 builds upin this position, it will not block water flow and so not block theoverall nozzle apparatus 10. Thus when the debris reaches its saturationpoint it will begin to flow over the entry segregator 22 into thepassage 12. The entry segregator 22 is particularly suitable forvertical positioned nozzles.

The purer water stream travels through the slots 27 in the main screen23 and out of the exit channel 36 and is directed by the outer body 30to the surrounding area.

A larger view of the outer body 30 is shown in FIG. 6. It comprises anangled portion 32 the inner part 31 of which, along with a matchingportion on a tube 48, is shaped to direct the water flow to the desiredarea. The angled portion 32 extends radially outwards compared to theopposite tube 48 but this does not further assist in directing the flowof water. Rather, it provides a larger gripping surface and has a hexprofile to allow the tightening it to the main screen 23 for ease ofassembly. The body 30 also includes a cover portion 33 which defines aflowpath between its inner bore and the main screen 23. The outer body30 may be replaced by a variety of different bodies of varying sizes anddifferent angles 31 in order to be properly sized for its intendedpurpose. In this embodiment, the outer body 30 provides a hollow conespray at a 45 degree angle.

The debris pot 40 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 7 and 8 and comprisesa container 42 with an end plate 44. At the open end of the debris pot,a socket 46 is threaded to receive a thread 26 on the end of the mainscreen 23 and a larger diameter (than the socket) tube portion 48extends from the container 42 further in the axial direction.

To assemble the nozzle apparatus 10 for first-use, the screen apparatus20 is affixed to the T-piece 5 via a thread 28 mounted on the nut flange24. The entry segregator 22 thus extends up into the T-piece 5 or otherpipework to which it is fitted and the main screen 23 extends from theopposite side of the nut 24 (normally in a downwards direction). Thecover portion of the outer body 30 is then placed over the and aroundthe main screen 23 and is affixed to the thread 29. Finally, the socket46 in the debris pot 40 is attached to a thread 26 at the end of themain screen 23. The edge 49 of the tube portion 48 is then aligned withand spaced slightly away from the inner end 31 of the outer body 30 andthe resulting gap 18 (shown in FIG. 1) between them provides the exitchannel 36 for the water. Notably the edge 49 is angled to reflect theangle of the inlet end 31 of the outer body 30 (thus providing an angledchannel), both of which may be varied depending on the desired coverageor other factors.

For the debris particles that are too large to proceed through the slots21, they proceed to the debris pot 40. The container 42 is sized toallow a large volume of debris to be trapped under pressure.

Thus embodiments of the present invention provide a debris freeenvironment allowing water to pass through the nozzles ensuring itachieves the required K-Factor for its optimum performance.

Embodiments of the present invention benefit in that to completely blockthe nozzle it will take very large amounts of scale and debris withoutmaintenance from clearing out the debris pots unlike many existingsolutions that will almost instantly fail.

Indeed for certain embodiments of the invention there are twelve slotsin the main screen 23 but the nozzle can still deliver the volume andpressure of water required by the nozzle for its optimum performance ifonly two of these slots are free from debris.

The exit channel 36 can be set at any angle. The angle on this exampleis 45 degrees, this is specific for cooling operations as it sends waterforward at its optimal angle to reach its furthest point away from thestructure it is protecting. This angle is matched by tube 48 of thedebris pot 40 to form the exit channel 36. Preferably the debris pot 40is no larger than the outer body 32.

The main screen 23 and the cover 33 are sized to optimise the correctwater volume and pressure through to the exit channel 36.

The first embodiment is shown attached to a T-piece but the nozzleapparatus can easily attach to any fluid transfer exit—an exit pointvertical facing up or down—horizontal etc. could also be used.

FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment of a nozzle apparatus 110 of thepresent invention; like parts share the same reference numeral exceptpreceded by a ‘1’. The nozzle apparatus 110 comprises a screen apparatus120, an outer body 130 and a debris pot 140.

The screen apparatus 120 and debris pot 140 function as described forthe earlier embodiment, and will not be described further.

In this embodiment however, the outer body 130 is a cylindrical shapewith one end open and the opposite end having an exit channel 136. Theouter body 130 encloses the debris trap 140, and is secured against asupport member 150, which in turn is secured to a circumferentiallyextending nut 124 on the screen apparatus 120.

The assembled nozzle apparatus 110 is shown in FIG. 10. In use, thewater (or other fluid), enters the nozzle apparatus through an entrysegregator 122, which impedes the flow of debris particles through itssmaller slots 125. The flow continues through the central passage 112 ofthe screen apparatus 120, through the slots 127 in the main screen 123and then into a void 152 between the outer body 130 and debris pot140/main screen 123. Particulate debris too large to proceed through theslots 127 reside in the debris pot 140. The water flow continues out ofthe exit channel 136, which can be suitably sized for the desiredapplication, for example creating a mist. This arrangement allows a fullcone spray profile.

An advantage of certain embodiments of the invention is that the screensare provided in the nozzle apparatus close to the exit channel.Therefore, pollutants (such as scale coming off pipework) are caughtfrom the pipework. This contrasts to other designs where a screen orfilter is provided upstream in the pipework and any scale releaseddownstream of the screen is not screened out and so may block thenozzles.

Some alternative screen apparatus 220, 320 is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12and these function in a similar manner as the earlier embodiments. InFIG. 12 it can be seen that the slots 325, 327 are arranged in aperpendicular direction to the flow of fluid in contrast to the earlierembodiments.

In any case, the arrangement of the slots for preferred embodiments ofthe invention, is configured such that the length of the outer body andthe passage through the screen allow enough volume through to the outleteven if 80% of the screen is blocked. The provision of slots rather thansmall circular hole screens, facilitates such an effect, which alsominimises pressure build up on the screen and lost pressure from theexpelled fluid.

Not only do embodiments of the present invention allow storage of debrisbut it can also be used to determine the rate of corrosion within thedeluge line. After every function test of the system all the debris potscan be removed with the debris being stored for weighing. The weight andvolume of the debris can be calculated to show corrosion rate whenreferenced with the frequency of the test. This feature will allow theoperator to evaluate the life of the whole system and determine when itrequires a full re-structure and re-placement.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 13a-13c andsimilar parts use the corresponding reference numerals of earlierembodiments except preceded by a ‘4’. The FIG. 13a embodiment comprisesan entry segregator 422, a main body 430 and a debris pot 440 whichfunctions as described for earlier embodiments unless otherwise noted.

Notably an exit channel 436 is provided between the screen 423 and thehousing 430, which is larger and directs fluid which has passed throughthe screen 423 towards the debris pot 440.

The debris pot 440 has a plurality of slots 447 on the outside perimeterthereof. Each slot 447 extends vertically (as orientated in use) andtowards the centre of the debris pot 430 typically by 5-25 mm. Thus theyare radially spaced from each other.

In use, relatively pure fluid is directed from the exit 436 onto thedebris pot 430, which distributes the fluid into a pattern required incertain situations. The fluid will follow the path of the debris pot's440 outer face design where it may flow through it and hit sections ofit directing the flow in various directions. This will determine if thepattern is hollow cone or full cone pattern. The high velocity isnormally full cone unless the housing 430 goes around the whole debrispot area (as per the FIG. 10 embodiment).

The distances ‘c’ and ‘d’ can be varied depending on the applicationrequirements. For example d can be less than that shown in the figuresand is typically 1-20 mm. The velocity may be reduced by extending thelength ‘d’ between the exit 436 and the debris pot 440. To reduce flowto reduce K-Fcator or vice versa, the slots in the screen 423 may beless: 12 slots of 1 mm width over the same area rather than 24 slots of1 mm for example. This would reduce the volume.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 14a-14c andsimilar parts use the corresponding reference numerals of earlierembodiments except preceded by a ‘5’. The FIG. 14a embodiment comprisesan entry segregator 522, a main body 530 and a debris pot 540 whichfunctions as described for earlier embodiments unless otherwise noted.

In this embodiment the nozzle apparatus is orientated in an upwardsdirection during use and the pressure maintains the debris in the debrispot 540. The debris pot 540 has an angled flange 545 which is about 80degrees to the housing 540.

In use, fluid proceeds through the entry segregator 522, through themain screen 523 and from between the housing 530 and the main screen 523it is then directed by the angled portion 545 of the debris pot 540 tooutside of the apparatus via an exit 536.

The nozzle apparatus shown in FIGS. 13a-c and 14a-c are often moresuited to medium to high velocity applications, or medium to lowvelocity applications, compared to the nozzle apparatus of earlierembodiments which are more suited to high velocity applications.Nonetheless any embodiment herewith can be used for any velocityapplication.

FIG. 15 shows a further embodiment of a nozzle apparatus 610 having anextended inlet 631. The inlet of this embodiment extends into a pipeline614, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, such that the inlet extends in to thecentre of the pipeline. In this way, even with debris built up on theinside of the pipeline 614, which would tend to block other nozzles,will not block so long as fluid is flowing through the centre of thepipeline 614. Such a configuration can be used with any of the nozzlesdisclosed herein. In this embodiment, the end of the inlet 631 is within5 mm of the central axis of the pipeline 614 which has a diameter of 1″to 8″.

The inlet 631 also has a secondary portion 622, which allows fluid toflow therein, and also comprises a series of liner slots 625 to filterthe fluid.

FIG. 18 shows the FIG. 15 nozzle apparatus with the outer housingremoved, showing some internal components, which generally function asdescribed for earlier embodiments.

Notably the inlet 631 is provided as a separate piece, and duringassembly is placed into the pipeline. The remaining parts of the nozzleapparatus are then connected to the separate inlet piece 631.

The present embodiment also includes a dispersion plate 658 connected tothe container by a cylindrical member.

Embodiments of the invention have a multi-purpose use being able toachieve K-Factor for sprinkler.

Embodiments of the invention are also safer in that less debris isdistributed outwith the fluid. Such debris can cause injury to personnele.g. it has been known to cut faces and has the potential to causeserious eye injuries.

Improvements and modifications may be made without departing from thescope of the invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A sprinkler system comprising a sprinklerand a pipeline, the pipeline having a central axis and a diameter of 2.5cm to 20 cm (1″ to 8″), the sprinkler attached to the pipeline such thatthere is fluid communication therebetween, the sprinkler having a firstinlet portion, a second inlet portion and a sprinkler outlet, whereinthe sprinkler extends into the pipeline such that at least a portion ofthe first inlet portion is in the center of the pipeline, the center ofthe pipeline is within ±15% of the central axis of the pipeline based onthe diameter of the pipeline, and an end of the sprinkler is within 5 mmof the central axis of the pipeline; and wherein the second inletportion is within the pipeline but outside the center of the pipeline,the second inlet portion comprising a particulate filter; and wherein afirst fluid inlet path extends through the first inlet portion,bypassing the second inlet portion; and a second fluid inlet pathextends through the second inlet portion, bypassing the first inletportion; thus the first and second fluid inlet portions providingparallel simultaneous flowpaths from the pipeline into the sprinkler. 2.A sprinkler system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first inletportion is a larger aperture than each second inlet portion, and isprovided on an end of the sprinkler and each second inlet portion isprovided on a side of the sprinkler.
 3. A sprinkler system as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the sprinkler's first inlet portion is within ±10% ofthe central axis of the pipeline, based on the diameter of the pipeline.4. A sprinkler system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the sprinkler'sfirst inlet portion is within ±5% of the central axis of the pipeline,based on the diameter of the pipeline.
 5. A sprinkler as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the cross-sectional size of the first inlet portion isat least the same size than a cross-sectional size of a flow path fromthe first inlet portion to the particulate filter in the sprinkler.
 6. Asprinkler system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first inlet portionof the sprinkler is provided as a separate extension piece, such thatwhen attached to the remainder of the sprinkler, at least a portion ofthe first inlet portion is in the center of the pipeline.
 7. A sprinklersystem as claimed in claim 6, wherein said extension piece is configuredto fit into an aperture in the pipeline, and a portion of the remainderof the sprinkler apparatus is configured to connect with an internalbore of the extension piece.
 8. A sprinkler system as claimed in claim1, wherein the sprinkler is attached to the pipeline at an angle of60-100 degrees.
 9. A sprinkler system as claimed in claim 1, wherein thesprinkler further comprises: a second filter disposed between the firstand second inlet portions and the outlet, and a container; wherein thesprinkler defines a first flow path for particles too large for saidfilter and a second flow path towards the outlet for particles smallenough for said filter; and wherein the container is provided downstreamof the first flow path.
 10. A sprinkler system as claimed in claim 1,wherein the sprinkler is arranged such that it produces a full cone orhollow cone spray profile.
 11. A sprinkler system as claimed in claim 1,further comprising a dispersion plate.
 12. A sprinkler system as claimedin claim 1, wherein the first inlet portion has a differentconfiguration from the second inlet portion.
 13. A sprinkler system asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the first inlet portion has a circularconfiguration.
 14. A sprinkler system as claimed in claim 1, wherein thefirst inlet portion is a discrete inlet portion from the second inletportion.
 15. A sprinkler system as claimed in claim 1, wherein theparticulate filter has at least four linear slots therein.
 16. Asprinkler system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the linear slots areparallel to a main longitudinal axis of the sprinkler apparatus.
 17. Asprinkler system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sprinkler extendsradially through a circumferential wall of the pipeline and into theflow of fluid through the pipeline.